There’s something great in store for you today.

And every day.

It’s a matter of seeing the greatness of what God plants in life, year after year, month after month, and the opportunities in this universe for greatness every minute.

That’s right: no matter what it seems like on the surface, there is victory behind everything we face if we face it in the right way–if we see beyond the visible, looking for that greatness in the strength of Christ. I profess You, Lord.

Remember, His most horrible event; His Cross; was His greatest victory!

Didn’t seem like it, did it? Not to the onlookers. Not to the billions who have since known what He endured.

But Jesus saw beyond what was happening when He prophesied His death to His disciples and proved the victory by later appearing to them.

It’s not Eastertime, but think of it: Jesus rose from the dead! He was there in glory for physical eyes to see. What had been the most horrendous public torture in history became the most glorious event. This is a  worthy summer meditation. An all-seasons one. A timeless contemplation.

When we are in prayer as much as possible—upon rising, showering, eating, driving, or at work, at times when we can—we need to meditate on the glory and benefits of every “trial.”

“Endurance training,” is what it should be called; for what does not kill you, what does not discourage you, what does not take away your faith, makes you strong.

And so look at every single little or huge “negative,” large or tiny trial, in just that light: as an opportunity to praise God in the midst of anything that swirls around or at us.

Praise You Jesus! Praise You in the storm! Praise You in the rolling waters! Praise You in the sun that rises after any darkness.

[resources: Michael Brown online retreat, July 13, 11 am-1 pm EST and Pilgrimage to Medjugorje]